attempted

Definition of attemptednext
past tense of attempt
as in tried
to make an effort to do after attempting—and failing—to start the lawn mower on my own, I finally succeeded with a neighbor's help don't even attempt walking on your broken foot

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of attempted According to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, the shooting occurred shortly after midnight on June 1 after a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near FM 2004 in Lake Jackson. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 The Royals attempted to cut into the Twins’ lead, but right fielder Austin Martin’s two outfield assists led to KC outs at home plate. Kansas City Star, 6 June 2026 Last month, the IRGC launched attacks into the Gulf and attempted to lay new underwater mines. Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 June 2026 Hasan Akbar, a combat engineer who was convicted of premeditated murder and attempted murder for throwing grenades into tents and opening fire on fellow soldiers. Steve Beynon, ABC News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attempted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempted
tried
Verb
  • On May 31, a Frontier Airlines passenger tried to open the plane's exit doors mid-flight and then choke an off-duty flight attendant, according to an affidavit.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 11 June 2026
  • The Astros nearly scored the go-ahead run when Yordan Alvarez tried to score on an overthrow, but Bachman was backing up the plate and tossed the ball to catcher Logan O’Hoppe in time to get him.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attempted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempted. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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